Logging while drilling apparatus with blade mounted electrode for determining resistivity of surrounding formation

ABSTRACT

Measurement-while-drilling apparatus is disclosed for determining the resistivity of formations surrounding an earth borehole. An electrically conductive metal body, such as a drill collar on a drill string, is movable through the borehole. A transmitting toroidal coil antenna is disposed on the body and is energized to induce a current which travels in a path that includes the body and the formations. An electrode is disposed on the body, and an electrical signal resulting from said current is measured at the electrode to obtain an indication of the resistivity of the formations. In a disclosed embodiment, one or more electrodes can be mounted on a blade that is mechanically coupled to the body.

This is a divisional of copending U.S. application Ser. No. 786,137filed Oct. 31, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,285.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is generally related to copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 786,138 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,705) and Ser. No.786,199 (now abandoned, both filed Oct. 31, 1991, and both assigned tothe same assignee as the present application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of well logging and, moreparticularly, to well logging apparatus for determining earth formationresistivity and sending the information to the earth's surface. A formof the invention has general application to the well logging art, butthe invention is particularly useful for logging-while-drilling (alsocalled measurement-while-drilling).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Resistivity logging, which measures the electrical resistivity offormations surrounding an earth borehole, is a commonly used techniqueof formation evaluation. For example, porous formations having highresistivity generally indicate the presence of hydrocarbons, whileporous formations having low resistivity are generally water saturated.In so-called "wireline" well logging, wherein measurements are taken ina well bore (with the drill string removed) by lowering a logging devicein the well bore on a wireline cable and taking measurements with thedevice as the cable is withdrawn, there are several techniques ofresistivity logging which use elements such as electrodes or coils.Various arrangements of electrodes, on the logging device and at theearth's surface, have been utilized to measure electrical currentsand/or potentials from which formation resistivity can be derived. Forexample, button electrodes have been employed on a pad which is urgedagainst the borehole wall. These electrodes have been used to obtainazimuthal resistivity measurements, and focusing techniques have beenemployed to obtain resistivity measurements that have substantiallateral extent into the formations and provide relatively high verticalresolution resistivity information.

Various techniques for measuring resistivity while drilling have alsobeen utilized or proposed. Techniques employed in wireline logging mayor may not be adaptable for use in a measurement-while-drillingequipment. The borehole presents a difficult environment, even forwireline logging, but the environment near the well bottom duringdrilling is particularly hostile to measuring equipment. Forlogging-while-drilling applications, the measuring devices are housed inheavy steel drill collars, the mechanical integrity of which cannot becompromised. Measurement approaches which require a substantial surfacearea of electrically insulating material on the surface of a drillcollar housing are considered impractical, since the insulating materialwill likely be damaged or destroyed. This is particularly true formeasuring structures that would attempt to attain intimate contact withthe newly drilled borehole wall as the drill string continues itsrotation and penetration, with the attendant abrasion and otherstresses.

One resistivity measuring approach is to utilize a plurality of toroidalcoil antennas, spaced apart, that are mounted in insulating media arounda drill collar or recessed regions thereof. A transmitting antenna ofthis nature radiates electromagnetic energy having a dominant transversemagnetic component, and can use the electrically conductive body of thedrill collar to good advantage, as described next.

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,408,561 there is disclosed a logging-while-drillingsystem wherein a receiving toroidal coil is mounted in a recess on adrill collar near the drill bit and a transmitting toroidal coil ismounted on the drill collar above the receiver coil. The drill collarserves as part of a one-turn "secondary winding" for the toroidalantennas, the remainder of such "secondary winding" including a currentreturn path through the mud and formations. The voltage induced in thereceiver toroidal coil provides an indication of the resistivity offormations around the drill bit. U.S. Pat. No. 3,305,771 utilizes asimilar principle, but employs a pair of spaced-apart transmittingtoroidal coils and a pair of spaced-apart receiving toroidal coilsbetween the transmitting toroidal coils.

As generally described in the prior art, a transmitter toroidal coilmounted on a drill collar induces current in the drill collar which canbe envisioned as leaving the drill collar, entering the formations belowthe transmitter coil, and returning to the drill string above thetransmitter coil. Since the drill collar below the transmitter coil issubstantially an equipotential surface, a portion of the currentmeasured by a lower receiver toroidal coil mounted near the drill bittends to be laterally focused. This can provide a "lateral" resistivitymeasurement of formations adjacent the drill collar. Also, a portion ofcurrent leaving the drill stem below the receiver coil (mostly where thebit contacts the formations) provides a "bit resistivity" measurement;that is, a measurement of the resistivity of the formationsinstantaneously being cut by the bit. [See, for example, theabove-identified U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,408,561 and 3,305,771, andpublications entitled "A New Resistivity Tool For Measurement WhileDrilling", SPWLA Twenty-Sixth Annual Logging Symposium (1985) and"Determining The Invasion Near The Bit With The MWD Toroid Sonde", SPWLATwenty-Seventh Annual Logging Symposium (1986).] Thus, the prior artindicates that a measurement-while-drilling logging device usingtoroidal coil transmitting and receiving antennas can be employed toobtain lateral resistivity measurements and/or bit resistivitymeasurements.

Reference can also be made to the following which relate tomeasurement-while-drilling using electrodes and other transducers: U.S.Pat. No. 4,786,874, U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,778, and copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 525,268, filed May 16, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No.5,130,950, assigned to the same assignee as the present application.

Resistivity measurements obtained using transmitting and receivingtoroidal coils on a conductive metal body are useful, particularly inlogging-while-drilling applications, but it would be desirable to obtainmeasurements which can provide further information concerning thedownhole formations; for example, lateral resistivity information havingimproved vertical resolution, azimuthal resistivity information, andmultiple depths of investigation for such resistivity information. It isamong the objects of the present invention to devise equipment which canprovide such further resistivity measurement information.

In logging-while-drilling applications, various schemes have beenproposed for transmitting the measurement information to the surface ofthe earth. A number of these schemes involve using a toroidal coilantenna to radiate electromagnetic energy having a transverse magneticcomponent from downhole to the earth's surface, or to repeaters alongthe drill string which receive, boost, and re-transmit the signals usingfurther toroidal coil transmitters. As in the systems first describedabove which utilize toroidal coils for obtainment of resistivitymeasurements, the drill string is used as a current carrier. Referencecan be made, for example, to U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,186,222, 3,967,201,4,578,675, 4,725,837, 4,739,325, and 4,839,644. In the U.S. Pat. No.4,578,675 there is disclosed a logging-while-drilling apparatus whichutilizes toroidal coil antennas to obtain bottom-hole resistivitymeasurements and employs one of these antennas, on a time-sharing basis,for two-way communication with equipment at the surface of the earth.The communication may be via passive or active repeater units furtheruphole. In general, downhole/surface electromagnetic telemetryapproaches which use the drill string as a current carrying component(and, typically, the mud and the formations as a return current path)have intrinsic limitations. The mud conductivity and the conductivityand heterogeneity of the surrounding formations will affect the signal,and the need for boosters or repeaters is inconvenient and expensive.

For various reasons, the approach that has been the most successful forlogging-while-drilling communication between the well bottom and theearth's surface has been so-called mud pulse telemetry. Briefly,pressure pulses (or acoustic pulses) modulated with the information tobe conveyed, are applied to the mud column [typically downhole, forcommunication to the surface, although two-way communication is alsoused], and received and demodulated uphole.

A downhole mud telemetry subassembly typically includes the equipmentfor controlling data communication with the surface and for applyingmodulated acoustic pulses to the mud. When a measurement subassembly(e.g. one measuring formation parameters and/or other parametersconcerning drilling such as downhole weight on bit or direction andinclination of the borehole) is housed in a drill collar that is mountedadjacent the downhole mud telemetry subassembly, a wiring connector canbe provided for electronic connection between these subassemblies. Thenature of the drill collar sections housing these units, the typicalthreaded mechanical connections therebetween, and the stresses to whichthe connections are subjected, render the connection of wires somewhatinconvenient, but such connections are commonly implemented. A largerproblem arises, however, when a desired bottom hole arrangement oftelemetry equipment, measurement collars, stabilizer collars, etc.involves separation between the mud telemetry subassembly and one ormore measurement subassemblies that are intended to communicatetherewith. Under such circumstance, wiring buses and connectors may beprovided for local electronic communication between the measurementsubassembly and the downhole mud telemetry subassembly, but therequirement for crossing other drill collar sections and joints isdisadvantageous. The problem is exacerbated when the relative placementsof a particular measurement subassembly (or subassemblies) with respectto the downhole mud telemetry subassembly is not known a-priori and isdecided spontaneously at the well site, as is often the case in moderndrilling operations.

It is therefore among the further objects of the present invention toprovide improvement in the efficiency and flexibility of communicationsin logging-while-drilling systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A form of the present invention utilizes a toroidal coil antennamounted, in an insulating medium, on a drill collar to induce a currentwhich travels in a path that includes the drill collar and earthformations around the drill collar. As is generally known in the art,one or more toroidal coil receiving antennas can be mounted, in aninsulating medium, on the drill collar to obtain the types ofmeasurements described in the Background hereof. A form of the presentinvention expands on the toroid-to-toroid type of measurement to obtainfurther useful information about the downhole formations. In accordancewith a feature of the present invention, at least one electrode isprovided on the drill collar and is utilized to detect currentstransmitted by the transmitter toroidal coil which return via theformations to the electrode(s) laterally; that is, approximately normalto the axis of the drill collar. The electrodes preferably have arelatively small vertical extent, and the measurements taken with theseelectrodes are useful in obtaining formation resistivity with relativelyhigh vertical resolution, as well as relatively high depth ofinvestigation for the resolution provided. The electrodes can alsoprovide azimuthal resistivity information. Thus, resistivity loggingmeasurements are obtained that can supplement or replace resistivitymeasurements obtained with toroidal coil receiving antenna(s). Theelectrode(s) can be mounted in a drill collar or, in accordance with afeature hereof, on a stabilizer blade attached to or integral with thedrill collar. In an embodiment hereof, button-type electrode(s) areutilized, as well as a ring-type of electrode.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus isdisclosed for determining the resistivity of formations surrounding anearth borehole. [In the present application, any references to thedetermination or use of resistivity are intended to generically meanconductivity as well, and vice versa. These quantities are reciprocals,and mention of one or the other herein is for convenience ofdescription, and not intended in a limiting sense.] An electricallyconductive metal body is movable through the borehole. A toroidal coilantenna is disposed on the body. [Throughout the present application"disposed on" and "disposed in" are both intended to generically include"disposed on or in", and "mounted on" and "mounted in" are both intendedto generically include "mounted on or in".] Means are provided forenergizing the transmitting toroidal coil antenna to induce a currentwhich travels in a path that includes the body and the formations. Anelectrode is disposed on the body, and means are provided for measuringthe electrical effect of the current on the electrode, said electricaleffect being an indication of the resistivity of the formations. In thepreferred embodiment of the invention, the means for measuring theelectrical effect on the electrode comprises means for measuring thecurrent flow in the electrode. Also in this embodiment, the electrode iselectrically coupled to said body, either directly or via circuitry usedto measure the current flow in the electrode, and the surface of saidelectrode is electrically isolated from the surface of said body.

In accordance with a further form of the invention, advantages in theefficiency and flexibility of communication are attained by utilizingboth electromagnetic transmission and acoustic transmission incommunicating information between bottom hole subassemblies and theearth's surface. Local downhole electromagnetic communication (e.g.toroid-to-toroid), e.g. between several sections of drill collar, is aneffective means of communication over a relatively short distance, andthe need for hard wiring communication between bottom hole subassembliesis reduced or eliminated, while reliable acoustic communication with theearth's surface is retained. This is particularly advantageous insituations where a measurement subassembly is non-adjacent to thesurface communications subassembly in a bottom hole arrangement, orwhere the relative placements of these subassemblies in the bottom holearrangement are not known a priori.

In accordance with an embodiment of a form of the invention, a firstsubassembly is mountable in the drill string near the bit, the firstsubassembly including: a first electrically conductive body; meansdisposed in the first body for measuring a physical parameter relatingto said drilling; a first toroidal coil antenna disposed on the firstbody; and means for generating a local communication signal whichdepends on said measured physical parameter, and for coupling said localcommunication signal to said first toroidal coil antenna. [As usedherein a physical parameter relating to the drilling is intended togenerically include measurements of the properties of formations nearthe drill bit and measurements relating to the drilling operation andthe drill bit itself.] A second subassembly is mountable in the drillstring , the second subassembly including: a second electricallyconductive body; a second toroidal coil antenna disposed on the secondbody; means coupled with the second toroidal coil antenna for receivingsaid local communication signal and generating a surface communicationsignal which depends on said local communication signal; and an acoustictransmitter for transmitting an acoustic surface communication signal.An acoustic receiver is provided at the earth's surface for receivingthe acoustic surface communication signal.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become morereadily apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram, partially in block form, of alogging-while-drilling apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, shown attached to a drill string that is suspended in aborehole by a conventional drilling rig.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a measuring and local communicationssubassembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the subassembly of FIG. 2, ingreater detail.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a stabilizer blade, with electrodes mountedtherein, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, as taken through a section defined bysection line 5--5 of FIG. 4, of an embodiment of an electrode inaccordance with a form of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of the FIG. 5embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, partially in schematic form, of anembodiment of an electrode and associated circuitry in accordance with afurther form of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a ring electrodeused in a form of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a representation of the type of current pattern obtained whenthe transmitting toroidal coil of FIG. 2 is energized.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram, partially in schematic form, of theantennas, electrodes, and circuitry utilized in an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a routine for programmingthe processor of the FIG. 10 embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of the surface/local communications subassembly ofthe FIG. 1 bottom hole arrangement.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram, partially in schematic form, of the antennaand circuitry used in embodiment of the local communications portion ofthe surface/local communications subassembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a routine for programmingthe processor of the FIG. 13 embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of another embodiment of the invention whichutilizes electrodes mounted in a drill collar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an embodiment of the inventionin the form of a measuring-while-drilling apparatus. [As used herein,and unless otherwise specified, measurement-while-drilling (also calledmeasuring-while-drilling or logging-while-drilling) is intended toinclude the taking of measurements in an earth borehole, with the drillbit and at least some of the drill string in the borehole, duringdrilling, pausing, and/or tripping.] A platform and derrick 10 arepositioned over a borehole 11 that is formed in the earth by rotarydrilling. A drill string 12 is suspended within the borehole andincludes a drill bit 15 at its lower end. The drill string 12 and thedrill bit 15 attached thereto are rotated by a rotating table 16(energized by means not shown) which engages a kelly 17 at the upper endof the drill string. The drill string is suspended from a hook 18attached to a travelling block (not shown). The kelly is connected tothe hook through a rotary swivel 19 which permits rotation of the drillstring relative to the hook. Alternatively, the drill string 12 anddrill bit 15 may be rotated from the surface by a "top drive" type ofdrilling rig. Drilling fluid or mud 26 is contained in a pit 27 in theearth. A pump 29 pumps the drilling fluid into the drill string via aport in the swivel 19 to flow downward (arrow 9) through the center ofdrill string 12. The drilling fluid exits the drill string via ports inthe drill bit 15 and then circulates upward in the region between theoutside of the drill string and the periphery Of the borehole, commonlyreferred to as the annulus, as indicated by the flow arrows 32. Thedrilling fluid thereby lubricates the bit and carries formation cuttingsto the surface of the earth. The drilling fluid is returned to the pit27 for recirculation. An optional directional drilling assembly (notshown) with a mud motor having a bent housing or an offset sub couldalso be employed.

Mounted within the drill string 12, preferably near the drill bit 15, isa bottom hole assembly, generally referred to by reference numeral 100,which includes capabilities for measuring, processing, and storinginformation, and communicating with the earth's surface. [As usedherein, near the drill bit means within several drill collar lengthsfrom the drill bit.] The assembly 100 includes a measuring and localcommunications apparatus 200 which is described further hereinbelow. Inthe example of the illustrated bottom hole arrangement, a drill collar130 and a stabilizer collar 140 are shown successively above theapparatus 200. The collar 130 may be, for example, a pony collar or acollar housing measuring apparatus which performs measurement functionsother than those described herein. The need for or desirability of astabilizer collar such as 140 will depend on drilling parameters.Located above stabilizer collar 140 is a surface/local communicationssubassembly 150. The subassembly 150, described in further detailhereinbelow, includes a toroidal antenna 1250 used for localcommunication with the apparatus 200, and a known type of acousticcommunication system that communicates with a similar system at theearth's surface via signals carried in the drilling fluid or mud. Thesurface communication system in subassembly 150 includes an acoustictransmitter which generates an acoustic signal in the drilling fluidthat is typically representative of measured downhole parameters. Onesuitable type of acoustic transmitter employs a device known as a "mudsiren" which includes a slotted stator and a slotted rotor that rotatesand repeatedly interrupts the flow of drilling fluid to establish adesired acoustic wave signal in the drilling fluid. The drivingelectronics in subassembly 150 may include a suitable modulator, such asa phase shift keying (PSK) modulator, which conventionally producesdriving signals for application to the mud transmitter. These drivingsignals can be used to apply appropriate modulation to the mud siren.The generated acoustic mud wave travels upward in the fluid through thecenter of the drill string at the speed of sound in the fluid. Theacoustic wave is received at the surface of the earth by transducersrepresented by reference numeral 31. The transducers, which are, forexample, piezoelectric transducers, convert the received acousticsignals to electronic signals. The output of the transducers 31 iscoupled to the uphole receiving subsystem 90 which is operative todemodulate the transmitted signals, which can then be coupled toprocessor 85 and recorder 45. An uphole transmitting subsystem 95 isalso provided, and can control interruption of the operation of pump 29in a manner which is detectable by the transducers in the subassembly150 (represented at 99), so that there is two way communication betweenthe subassembly 150 and the uphole equipment. In existing systems,downward communication is provided by cycling the pump(s) 29 on and offin a predetermined pattern, and sensing this condition downhole. This orother technique of uphole-to-downhole communication can be utilized inconjunction with the features disclosed herein. The subsystem 150 mayalso conventionally include acquisition and processor electronicscomprising a microprocessor system (with associated memory, clock andtiming circuitry, and interface circuitry) capable of storing data froma measuring apparatus, processing the data and storing the results, andcoupling any desired portion of the information it contains to thetransmitter control and driving electronics for transmission to thesurface. A battery may provide downhole power for this subassembly. Asknown in the art, a downhole generator (not shown) such as a so-called"mud turbine" powered by the drilling fluid, can also be utilized toprovide power, for immediate use or battery recharging, during drilling.It will be understood that alternative acoustic or other techniques canbe employed for communication with the surface of the earth.

As seen in FIG. 2, the subsystem 200 includes a section of tubular drillcollar 202 having mounted thereon a transmitting antenna 205, areceiving antenna 207, and receiving electrodes 226, 227, 228 and 235.In the present embodiment the transmitting antenna 205 comprises atoroidal antenna (see also FIG. 3) having coil turns wound on aferromagnetic toroidal core that is axially coincident with the axis ofthe drill collar 202. The core may have a circular or rectangularcross-section, although other shapes can be used. The receivingelectrodes 226, 227 and 228 are button electrodes preferably mounted ina stabilizer 220, and electrode 235 is a ring electrode. The receivingantenna 207 is another toroidal coil antenna.

Referring now also to FIG. 3 as well as FIG. 2, there are illustratedfurther details of the structure of the measurement and communicationsubsystem 200 that is housed in the drill collar 202. An annular chassis290, which contains most of the electronics, fits within the drillcollar 202. In this embodiment the drilling mud path is through thecenter of the chassis, as illustrated by arrows 299 (FIG. 2). Thechassis 290 has a number of slots, such as for containment of batteries(at position 291, see FIG. 2) and circuit boards 292. In the disclosedembodiment, the circuit boards are in the form of elongated thin strips,and can accordingly be planar, it being understood that other circuitboard configurations or circuit packaging can be utilized. Thetransmitting toroidal antenna 205 [which can also be utilized in acommunications mode as a receiver in the present embodiment] issupported in a suitable insulating medium, such as Viton rubber 206. Theassembled coil, in the insulating medium, is mounted on the collar 202in a subassembly which includes a protective tapered metal ring 209,that is secured to the collar surface by bolts. The antenna wiring, andother wiring, is coupled to the annular circuit assembly via bulkheadfeed-throughs, as represented at 261 (for wiring to antenna 205), 266,267, 268 (for wiring to electrodes 226, 227 and 228, respectively), and263 (for wiring to electrode 235 and antenna 207). The receivingtoroidal coil antenna 207 is constructed in generally the same way,although with more coil turns in the present embodiment, in insulatingmedium 211, and with protective ring 213. The receiving ring electrode235 is also mounted in an insulating medium such as a fiberglass-epoxycomposite 236, and is held in a subassembly that includes tapered ring237, which can be integrated with the protective ring for the receivingantenna 207.

The three button electrodes 226, 227 and 228 are provided in stabilizerblade 220 which may have, for example, a typical straight or curvedconfiguration. Two of four (or three) straight stabilizer blades 219 and220 are visible in FIGS. 2 and 3. The stabilizer blades are formed ofsteel, integral with a steel cylindrical sleeve that slides onto thedrill collar 202 and abuts a shoulder 203 formed on the drill collar,and may have the type of keyed-on construction described in theabove-referenced copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 786,199, nowabandoned incorporated herein by reference. The stabilizer is secured tocollar 202 with lock nuts 221. The blades are conventionally providedwith hard facing surfaces, e.g. of tungsten carbide. The buttonelectrode faces have generally round (in this case, circular)peripheries which will be generally adjacent the borehole wall. Thebutton faces can have generally cylindrical curvatures to conform to thestabilizer surface or can have flat faces with surfaces that areslightly recessed from the stabilizer surface shape. These electrodesspan only a small fraction of the total circumferential locus of theborehole and provide azimuthal resistivity measurements. Also, theseelectrodes have a vertical extent that is a small fraction of thevertical dimension of the stabilizer on which they are mounted, andprovide relatively high vertical resolution resistivity measurements. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the surfaces of electrodes 226, 227 and 228have diameters of about 1 inch (about 2.5 cm. ), which is large enoughto provide sufficient signal, and small enough to provide the desiredvertical and azimuthal measurement resolution. Preferably, the electrodeperiphery, which can also be oval, should be contained within a circularregion that is less than about 1.5 inches (about 3.8 cm. ) in diameter.In the present embodiment, the top portion of each electrode issurrounded by an insulating medium, such as Viton rubber, which isolatesthe electrode surface from the surface of the stabilizer blade 220. Afiberglass epoxy composite can be used around the base of the electrode.The electrodes 226, 227 and 228 (see also FIG. 4) provide a return pathfrom the formations to the collar 202 (of course, when the AC potentialreverses the current path will also reverse), and the current ismeasured to determine lateral resistivity of the region of the formationgenerally opposing the electrode. The electrodes 227 and 228 arerespectively further from the transmitter than the electrode 226, andwill be expected to provide resistivity measurements that tend to berespectively deeper than the measurement obtained from electrode 226.The electrodes are mounted in apertures in the stabilizer 220 that alignwith apertures in the drill collar 202 to facilitate coupling of theelectrodes to circuitry in the annular chassis 290.

In one electrode configuration, the electrode body is directly mounted,in the manner of a "stud", in the stabilizer body. As seen in FIG. 5(and also in FIG. 3), the metal button electrode (226, for example) ismounted in an insulating medium 251, such as Viton rubber, and its neckportion engages threading 252 in collar 202. A small toroidal coil 253is seated in an insulating medium 255, which can also be Viton rubber,in a circular recess in the collar surface. The toroidal coil 253 isused to sense current flow in the electrode 226. The leads from coil 253pass through a bulkhead feed-through (see FIG. 3) to circuitry shown inFIG. 5. In particular, one conductor from the current sensing toroidalcoil 253 is coupled to the inverting input of an operational amplifier256. The other conductor from toroidal coil 253, and the non-invertinginput of operational amplifier 256, are coupled to ground referencepotential; e.g. the body of drill collar 202. A feedback resistor R₁ isprovided between the output and the inverting input of operationalamplifier 256. The circuit equivalent is illustrated in FIG. 6 whichshows the button electrode stud as a single turn through the core oftoroidal coil 253, the number of turns in the coil being N. The gain ofoperational amplifier 256 is very high, and V_(A), the voltagedifference between the inverting and non-inverting input terminals isvery small, virtually zero. The input impedance of the operationalamplifier is very high, and essentially no current flows into eitherinput terminal. Thus, if the current flow in the electrode 226 is I_(B),and the current flow in the toroidal coil "secondary" is I_(B) /N, thecurrent I_(B) /N flows through the feedback resistor R₁, making theamplifier output voltage R₁ I_(B) /N.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a diagram of a further embodiment ofa button electrode that can be utilized in a form of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the electrode body (e.g. 226') issupported on an insulating mounting frame 271 formed of a material suchas epoxy fiberglass composite, and is sealed with Viton rubberinsulating material 273. The electrode is coupled, via a bulkheadfeed-through, to one end of the primary coil of a transformer 275, theother end of which is coupled to ground reference potential (e.g., thecollar body). The secondary winding of transformer 275 is coupled to theinputs of an operational amplifier 256' which operates in a mannersimilar to the operational amplifier 256 of FIGS. 5 and 6. A feedbackresistor R₂ is coupled between the output of the operational amplifier256' and its inverting input, and the output is designated V_(B).Derivation of the output voltage as a function of the electrode currentI_(B) is similar to that of the circuit of FIG. 6, except that in thiscase the turns ratio, secondary to primary, is n₂ /n₁, and theexpression for the output voltage is V_(B) =R₂ I_(B) n₁ /n₂. Anadvantage of this electrode arrangement and circuit is that n₁ can beincreased to increase the output voltage sensitivity to the currentbeing measured. Reference can also be made to the above-referencedcopending U.S. patent application Ser. No.786,138, now U.S. Pat.No.5,200,705, incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the ring electrode 235 utilized inthe embodiment of FIG. 2. The ring electrode, which can be welded into asingle piece, is seated on fiberglass-epoxy insulator 236, and is sealedwith viton rubber 239. A conductor 238 that can be brazed or welded tothe ring electrode 235, is coupled, via a feed-through, to circuitrysimilar to that of FIG. 7, with a transformer 275, an operationalamplifier 256, a feedback resistor R₂, and an output V_(B). The currentsensing operation of this circuit is substantially the same as that ofthe FIG. 7 circuit.

The apparent resistivity of the formation is inversely proportional tothe current I measured at the electrode. If the voltage at the electroderelative to the voltage of the drill collar surface above the toroidalcoil transmitter coil 205 is V, the apparent resistivity is R_(app)=kV/I, where k is a constant that can be determined empirically or bymodeling. If desired, a correction can be applied to compensate forelectromagnetic skin effect.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a general representation of theknown type of current pattern that results from energizing thetransmitter toroidal coil in a well being drilled with mud havingsubstantial conductivity. The pattern will, of course, depend on theformations' bed pattern and conductivities, the example in FIG. 9 beingfor the simplified case of uniform conductivity.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of downhole circuitry insubassembly 200 for implementing measurements and/or for transmittinginformation to the surface/local communications subassembly 150. Thebutton electrodes 226, 227 and 228 and ring electrode 235 are eachcoupled, via the previously described sensing and amplification circuits(e.g. FIGS. 5-8, now referred to by reference numerals 1011-1014,respectively), to a multiplexer 1020. The output of the receivertoroidal coil 207 is also coupled, via a sensing and amplificationcircuit 1015, to the multiplexer 1020. The multiplexer 1020 is undercontrol of a computer or processor 1025, as represented by the line1020A. The processor 1025 may be, for example, a suitable digitalmicroprocessor, and includes memory 1026, as well as typical clock,timing, and input/output capabilities (not separately represented). Theprocessor can be programmed in accordance with a routine illustrated inconjunction with FIG. 11. The output of multiplexer 1020 is coupled, viaa bandpass filter 1030, to a programmable gain amplifier 1033, the gainof which can be controlled by the processor 1025 via line 1033A. Theoutput of amplifier 1033 is coupled to a rectifier 1035, a low-passfilter 1036, and then to an analog-to-digital converter 1037, the outputof which is coupled to the processor 1025 via a buffer 1039 that iscontrolled by the processor. [This and other buffers can be part of theprocessor memory and control capability, as is known in the art.] Thebandpass filter 1030 passes a band of frequencies around the centerfrequency transmitted by the transmitter toroidal coil 1011. Theprocessor 1020 controls the multiplexer 1025 to select the differentreceiver outputs in sequence. The gain of programmable amplifier 1033can be selected in accordance with the receiver being interrogatedduring a particular multiplexer time interval and/or in accordance withthe received signal level to implement processing within a desiredrange. The amplified signal is then rectified, filtered, and convertedto digital form for reading by the processor 1025.

In the present embodiment, the transmitter of subassembly 200 operatesin two different modes. In a first mode, the transmitter toroidal coil205 transmits measurement signals, and the signals received at theelectrodes and the receiver toroidal coil are processed to obtainformation measurement information. In a second mode of operation, thetransmitter toroidal coil 205 is utilized for communication with thetransmitter/receiver in the surface/local communications subassembly 150(FIG. 1).

A sinewave generator 1051, which may be under control of processor 1025(line 1051A) is provided and has a frequency, for example, of the orderof 100 Hz to 1M Hz, with the low kilohertz range being generallypreferred. In an operating embodiment, the frequency is 1500 Hz. Thegenerated sinewave is coupled to a modulator 1053 which operates, whenthe system is transmitting in a communications mode, to modulate thesinewave in accordance with an information signal from the processor1025. The processor signal is coupled to modulator 1053 via buffer 1055.

In the present embodiment the modulator 1053 is a phase modulator,although it will be understood that any suitable type of modulation canbe utilized. The output of modulator 1053 is coupled to a poweramplifier 1060, which is under control of processor 1025 (line 1060A).The output of power amplifier 1060 is coupled, via electronic switch1065, to the transmitter toroidal coil antenna 205. Also coupled to thetoroidal coil antenna 205, via another branch of electronic switch 1065,is a demodulator 1070 which, in the present embodiment is a phasedemodulator. The output of demodulator 1070 is coupled to the processor1025 via buffer 1074. The processor controls electronic switch 1065,depending on whether the toroidal coil antenna 205 is to be in its usualtransmitting mode, or, occasionally, in a receiving mode to receivecontrol information from the surface/local communications subassembly150.

Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a flow diagram of a routine forprogramming the processor 1025 in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. In the example of the routine set forth, functions areperformed or controlled in a repetitive sequential fashion. It will beunderstood, however, that the program may alternatively be set up with aroutine that handles the indicated tasks on a prioritized basis, or witha combination of sequential and prioritized functions. Also, theprocessor may be multi-ported or multiple processors may be used. Theroutine hereof has two basic modes; a "measurement" mode wherein thetoroidal coil antenna 205 is transmitting for the purpose of obtainingmeasurement signals at the receiving electrodes 226-228 and 235 and thereceiving toroidal coil antenna 207, and a "local communications" modewherein the toroidal coil antenna 205 is utilized to transmit and/orreceive modulated information signals to and/or from a toroidal coilantenna located in the surface/local communications subassembly 150(FIG. 1), for ultimate communication with equipment at the earth'ssurface via mud pulse telemetry equipment which is part of thesubassembly 150. The block 1115 represents the initializing of thesystem to the measurement mode. Inquiry is then made (diamond 1118) asto which mode is active. Initially, as just set, the measurement modewill be active, and the block 1120 will be entered, this blockrepresenting the enabling of the sinewave generator 1051 and the poweramplifier 1060 (FIG. 10). The electronic switch 1065 is then set to themeasurement/send position (block 1122) [i.e., with the toroidal coilantenna 205 coupled to the power amplifier 1060], and the multiplexer1020 is set to pass information from the first receiver (block 1125),for example the closest button electrode 226. The data is then read(block 1128) and the resistivity, as measured by the electrode fromwhich the data has passed, is computed [for example in accordance withthe relationships set forth above in conjunction with FIGS. 5-8] andstored (block 1130), and can be sent to output buffer 1055 (block 1132).Inquiry is then made (diamond 1140) as to whether the last receiver hasbeen interrogated. If not, the multiplexer 1020 is set to pass theoutput of the next receiver (for example, the button electrode 227), asrepresented by the block 1143. The block 1128 is then re-entered, andthe loop 1145 continues until data .has been obtained and processed fromall receivers. When this is the case, the operating mode is switched(block 1150), and inquiry is made as to which mode is active. Assumingthat the local communications mode is now active, the block 1160 isentered, this block representing the transmission of the latest frame ofdata to the main communications subassembly. In particular, data fromthe processor 1025 (or from the optional buffer 1055) is coupled to themodulator 1053 to modulate the sinewave output of generator 1051 fortransmission by antenna 205. At the end of a frame of data, a "ready toreceive" signal can be transmitted (block 1165). The sinewave generatorand power amplifier are then disabled (block 1168), and the electronicswitch 1065 is set to the "receive" position. [i.e., with the toroidalcoil antenna 205 coupled to the demodulator 1070] (block 1170). A frameof information can then be received via buffer 1074, as represented bythe block 1175. During this time, as represented by the arrows 1176 and1177, other processor computations can be performed, as desired. Theblock 1150 can then be re-entered to switch the operating mode, and thecycle continues, as described. The information received from thesurface/local communications subassembly can be utilized in any desiredmanner.

It will be understood that the routine set forth is illustrative, andother suitable routines will occur to those skilled in the art. Also,other suitable communications techniques can be employed, if desired.For example, simultaneous measurement and communication, such as atdifferent frequencies, could be employed while still using a singletransmitting antenna. Of course, local communication by wire conductormay be preferred in some situations, if available, and an output port1029 (FIG. 10) can be provided for this purpose, or as a generalread-out port.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the surface/local communicationsubassembly 150 of the FIG. 1 embodiment. As previously described, thissubassembly can include a conventional type of mud communicationsequipment, including a mud transmitter (or mud siren), a mud receiver,and associated circuitry. This equipment, which is not, of itself, anovel feature of the present invention, is represented in FIG. 12 asbeing contained in a section of drill collar represented at 1210.Connected thereto, and housed in a section of drill collar 1220, is thelocal communications portion of the subassembly 150. In general, thecollar 1220 is constructed in a manner similar to a portion of themeasurement and local communications subassembly 200 as previouslydescribed, but the collar 1220 can be much shorter in length since onlya single toroidal coil antenna, and no receiving electrodes, areutilized in the present embodiment. In particular, the collar 1220 hasan inner annular chassis 1225 through which the drilling mud passes, andwhich has slots for circuit boards and batteries (not shown). Thetoroidal coil antenna 1250 can be constructed and mounted, in aninsulating medium, in the manner previously described in conjunctionwith FIGS. 2 and 3, the coil again communicating with the electronicsvia a bulkhead connector (not shown).

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the electronics in the localcommunications portion of surface/local communications subassembly 150.The electronics can be similar to the portion of the electronicsutilized for local communication in the previously described measurementand local communications subassembly 200. In particular, the toroidalcoil antenna 1250 is coupled, via electronic switch 1365, to ademodulator 1370 and to the output of a power amplifier 1325. The switch1365 is under control (line 1365A) of a suitably equipped processor1350, which includes memory 1355 and typical clock, timing, andinput/output capabilities (not separately represented). A sinewavegenerator 1351 and a modulator 1353 are provided, as is buffer 1356,these units operating in a manner similar to their counterparts in FIG.10. Also, as in the FIG. 10 embodiment, the output of demodulator 1370is coupled, via buffer 1374, to the processor 1350. In the presentembodiment, the processor 1350 is also coupled with the mudcommunications equipment (1210) via buffer 1380 and wiring 1386 that iscoupled between the equipments 1210 and 1220. It will be understood thatthe equipments 1210 and 1220 (which comprise the subassembly 150) can beformed as a single unit within a single drill collar or housing, or canbe separately formed, with provision for electrical coupling of thewiring at the interface. If desired, the circuitry for the two parts ofthe subassembly 150 can be shared; for example, a single processor orprocessor system could be utilized for the entire subassembly 150.

Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown a flow diagram of an embodiment ofa routine for programming the processor 1350 in accordance with a formof the invention. The block 1420 represents the setting of theelectronic switch 1365 to its "receive" position. The block 1422represents a processor state defined by waiting until a synchronizationsignal is recognized, at which point, the processor knows thatinformation will follow. The data is then received and stored into abuffer (block 1424) continuously until an "end of frame" signal isrecognized (block 1426). This signal indicates that the subassembly 200is prepared to receive data and/or commands, if any. Block 1430represents the reading and storage of data via the receiver buffer 1374.The data is then loaded into the output buffer 1380 (block 1440) whichis coupled to the processor in the mud communications equipment of unit1210. The mud telemetry may transmit fresh data or the previous data ifno new data has arrived since the last mud telemetry frame was sent.

Inquiry is then made (block 1460) as to whether there is any informationto transmit to the measurement and local communications subassembly 200.If not, block 1422 is re-entered. If data is to be transmitted, thesinewave generator is enabled (block 1465), the switch 1365 is set toits transmit position (block 1470), and the transmission of data isimplemented (block 1475). When data transmission is complete, the switch1365 is set back to the receive position (block 1420) and block 1422 isentered to wait for the next sync signal. As noted above with regard tothe flow diagram of FIG. 11, various alternative techniques forimplementing and controlling the processor can be employed.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment wherein electrodes such as buttonelectrodes 1526, 1527 and 1528 are mounted in the drill collar 202instead of in a stabilizer. In other respects, the structure of theelectrodes the toroidal coil antennas, and their associated circuitry,can be as described above. This embodiment can be useful underconditions where use of a slick collar is indicated or beneficial.

The azimuthal resistivity obtained using the electrodes hereof can becorrelated with the rotational orientation of the drill collar housing(or with respect to other reference) in various ways. For example,assume that the subassembly 130 (FIG. 1) of the bottom hole assemblyincludes conventional direction and inclination ("D and I") measuringequipment that provides the direction and inclination of the boreholeand provides the rotational azimuth of the subassembly 130 with respectto magnetic north (known as "magnetic toolface") and with respect to thehigh side of the borehole (known as "gravitational toolface"). Thisequipment produces signals that can be coupled with the processor 1025,stored locally, and or communicated uphole for ultimate correlation,such as by using clock synchronization, of all acquired signals. Ifdesired, azimuthal orientation can be obtained during rotation, forexample by utilizing the approach described in the above referencedcopending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 786,138 now U.S. Pat. No.5,200,705. It will be understood that any suitable means can be employedfor determining a azimuthal orientation.

The invention has been described with reference to particular preferredembodiments, but variations within the spirit and scope of the inventionwill occur to those skilled in the art. For example, it will beunderstood that other electrode configurations and/or toroidal coilantenna configurations could be employed. Also apparatus of the typedescribed herein can be employed for obtaining measurements that can beutilized in determining formation dip characteristics, as described inthe above referenced copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 786,138now U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,705.

We claim:
 1. A measurement-while-drilling system for determining theresistivity of formations surrounding a borehole being drilled in theearth by a drill bit at the end of a drill string, comprising:a drillcollar in said drill string, said drill collar comprising an elongatedtubular body formed of an electrically conductive material; a toroidalantenna mounted on said body in an insulating medium, said antennacomprising a coil mounted on a toroidal core having an axissubstantially coincident with the drill collar axis; means forenergizing said toroidal antenna to induce a current which travels in apath that includes said body and said formations; a blade mounted onsaid body; an electrode mounted in said blade; and means for measuringat said electrode an electrical signal resulting from said current, saidelectrical signal being an indication of the resistivity of saidformations.
 2. The system as defined by claim 1, wherein said means formeasuring an electrical signal comprises means for measuring the currentflow in said electrode.
 3. The system as defined by claim 2, whereinsaid means for measuring current flow in said electrode comprises meansfor measuring the magnitude of current flowing from said electrode tosaid body.
 4. The system as defined by claim 2, wherein said bladecomprises an electrically conductive blade, and wherein the surface ofsaid electrode is electrically isolated from the surface of said blade.5. The system as defined by claim 3, wherein said blade comprises anelectrically conductive blade, and wherein the surface of said electrodeis electrically isolated from the surface of said blade.
 6. The systemas defined by claim 2, wherein said electrode comprises a buttonelectrode facing a wall of said borehole.
 7. The system as defined byclaim 6, wherein said button electrode is directly mounted as a stud insaid body, and wherein said means for measuring the magnitude of currentflow in said electrode comprises a coil encircling said stud and meansfor measuring current induced in said coil.
 8. The system as defined byclaim 6, wherein said electrode is coupled to said body via the primarywinding of a transformer having primary and secondary windings, andwherein said means for measuring current flow in said electrode includesmeans for measuring current induced in said secondary winding.
 9. Thesystem as defined by claim 6, wherein said electrode has a verticalextent, in the direction of the borehole axis, of less than a smallfraction of the vertical extent of said stabilizer blade.
 10. The systemas defined by claim 2, further comprising at least one further electrodemounted in said blade at a different spacing from said toroidal coilantenna than said first-mentioned electrode, and means for determiningcurrent flow in said at least one further electrode, to obtain a furtherindication of the resistivity of said formations.
 11. The system asdefined by claim 10, further comprising a ring-shaped electrodeencircling the axis of said body and coupled to said body, the surfaceof said ring-shaped electrode being electrically isolated from thesurface of said body, and means for measuring current flow from saidring-shaped electrode to said body.
 12. The system as defined by claim1, further comprising means for communicating said resistivityindication to the earth's surface.
 13. The system as defined by claim 1,wherein said blade is a stabilizer blade.
 14. Ameasurement-while-drilling system for determining a property offormations surrounding a borehole being drilled in the earth by a drillbit at the end of a drill string, comprising:a drill collar in saiddrill string, said drill collar comprising an elongated tubular body; ablade mounted on said body; an electrode mounted in said blade; meansfor generating an electronic signal; and means for measuring, at saidelectrode, a current resulting from said electronic signal, said currentbeing an indication of a property of said formations.
 15. The system asdefined by claim 14, wherein said blade comprises an electricallyconductive blade, and wherein the surface of said electrode iselectrically isolated from the surface of said blade.
 16. The system asdefined by claim 15, wherein said electrode comprises a button electrodefacing a wall of said borehole.
 17. The system as defined by claim 16,wherein said electrode has a vertical extent, in the direction of theborehole axis, of less than a small fraction of the vertical extent ofsaid stabilizer blade.
 18. The system as defined by claim 15, whereinsaid property is resistivity.
 19. The system as defined by claim 17,wherein said property is resistivity.
 20. The system as defined by claim18, further comprising means for communicating said resistivityindication to the earth's surface.
 21. The system as defined by claim14, wherein said blade is a stabilizer blade.